In the biblical narrative, the account of Ruth is a profound testament to loyalty, faith, and divine providence. The book of Ruth, nestled between Judges and 1 Samuel in the Old Testament, recounts the journey of a Moabite woman who becomes an integral part of the lineage of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ. The blessings pronounced upon Ruth by the people of Bethlehem are significant, reflecting both the community's recognition of her virtues and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

Context and Background

Ruth, a Moabite widow, chooses to remain with her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi, after the death of her husband. Her famous declaration of loyalty, "Where you go, I will go; and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God" (Ruth 1:16), marks the beginning of her journey into the heart of Israelite society. Upon their return to Bethlehem, Ruth's character and actions earn her the respect and admiration of the community.

Benedictions in the Book of Ruth

The blessings upon Ruth are most prominently featured in Ruth 4, during the resolution of her account. After Boaz, a relative of Naomi's late husband, agrees to marry Ruth to preserve the family lineage, the people and elders at the city gate pronounce a series of blessings upon her.

1. Blessing of Fruitfulness and Fame: The elders and the people declare, "May the LORD make the woman entering your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you be prosperous in Ephrathah and famous in Bethlehem" (Ruth 4:11). This blessing invokes the memory of Rachel and Leah, the matriarchs of Israel, whose children formed the twelve tribes. It is a prayer for Ruth to be fruitful and for her family to have a lasting legacy in Israel.

2. Blessing of Offspring: The people continue, "And may your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring the LORD will give you by this young woman" (Ruth 4:12). This blessing connects Ruth to the lineage of Perez, a significant ancestor in the tribe of Judah, emphasizing the hope for a prosperous and enduring family line.

Significance of the Benedictions

The blessings pronounced upon Ruth are not merely well-wishes; they are prophetic in nature, foreshadowing the pivotal role Ruth will play in the history of Israel. Her marriage to Boaz leads to the birth of Obed, the grandfather of King David, thus securing her place in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 1:5).

These benedictions highlight the themes of divine providence and inclusion. Despite her Moabite origin, Ruth is fully embraced by the Israelite community, demonstrating God's grace and the breaking down of ethnic barriers. Her account exemplifies how faithfulness and righteousness are recognized and rewarded by God, transcending cultural and national boundaries.

Conclusion

The blessings upon Ruth by the people of Bethlehem underscore the transformative power of faith and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through unexpected channels. Ruth's account is a testament to the inclusivity of God's covenant and the blessings that flow from faithfulness and devotion.Ruth 4:11,12
And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses. The LORD make the woman that is come into your house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do you worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem:
Nave's Topical Index

The Blessing of God.
... loving heart is so gladdened that it further overflows in these rich benedictions. ...
67, we find that the shining of GOD'S face upon His people is further to ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part ii the blessing of.htm

The Confession of the Waldenses. AD 1655.
... to administer the sacraments, and wait upon the flock ... people ought to be subject
and obedient unto them ... versant sur elles les plus precieuses benedictions de sa ...
/.../the confession of the waldenses.htm

The Purification of the virgin and the Presentation in the Temple
... to the priest, accompanied by two short benedictions,' the one ... full glow over his
own beloved land and people. ... the whole history of the Christ upon earth were ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vii the purification of.htm

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
... course, be accompanied by exhortations and benedictions (Maimonides, Hilkh. ... had a
young Shed to wait upon him (Chull ... influence of his over the people might lead ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xii the baptism of.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... Preface to the Commentary on the Benedictions of the Twelve ... much worse things were
done by our people than those ... I will shew that perjury is looked upon by him ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /

If a person leaves church before the benediction, is the blessing lost? | GotQuestions.org

What is a benediction in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Aaronic Blessing? | GotQuestions.org

Benediction: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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